Time flies.
We are already in week two of Advent! Last
night in my small Bible study sharing group we had such fun dissecting the upcoming Sunday
readings. It seems like the theme of
comfort continues to illuminate the path of Jesus towards Christmas. It fascinates me how pre the first coming of Christ
there is so much foreshadowing and excitement about the coming of the Messiah. This upcoming Sunday in the first reading from the Book
of Isaiah, God shares with His people that He’s sending a comforter to heal the
broken hearts, to liberate the prisoners and to bring the Good News to the poor. There’s so much joy and great anticipation in
the promises of God to His people… For
me this is one of the busiest times of the year. Life here gets hectic because I have a lot of
family, friends and social commitments and keeping that joy in the celebration of baby Jesus can be challenging! While it’s such a blessing to celebrate the beauty and essence of
Christmas with all my loved ones at times having so many social and religious festivities
makes me really tired and anxious. That’s
why I enjoy having people over to my home to stop the outward expressions of
the holidays and to focus on the TRUE reason for the season. For the past three years I have created
traditions which I follow every year to return at various times in December and
contemplate the nativity. The following
are activities that I am doing and which you if you live near these sites might
be interested:
Triduum to
Our Lady of Guadalupe at Saint Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Huntington Beach:
- Father Sergio at my parish is an awesome speaker, he has the funniest sense of humor you will laugh a great deal while you learn even more (the talks will be in Spanish).
Drive thru
Nativity:
This is an
awesome brief activity that you can do from inside your car! First Christian Church in Huntington Beach
sets seven stations in their parking lot retelling the Christmas Story with
live actors and animals. Great activity
to do as a family with children.
“Save the
Date” Christmas Play
Every year Calvary
Chapel Costa Mesa hosts a three day free theatrical performance and everyone is
invited. The plays usually have a
great Christian moral that leave one feeling quite warm and festive.
Reenactment
of the Apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe
On December 12 Saint Barbara Parish out does itself in celebrating a Nuestra Morenita. Before Mass a reecactment of
the apparitions of Our Lady to Juan Diego is performed inside the parish.
So there
you have it- some ways to stop and reminisce on Jesus and our Catholic faith.
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